Safety Advice to Remember When Traveling Through NYC

Many tourists, especially if they haven’t been to New York City before, have many dangerous notions about the city that never sleeps. While it can be overwhelming to travel through such a large city, with five boroughs in total, it is not a lawless land with blatant crime happening in the streets. New York City is a beautiful city with history and culture, but there are a few safety tips to follow if you’re still feeling nervous.

Watch Your Money

While crime rates in New York City have been dropping steadily, it is important to realize that thieves will always be around to take advantage of tourists. They always seem to be able to spot the ‘out of towners,’ which makes tourists a bigger target for pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and know where your valuables are. Tourists are safe from pickpockets in the most popular areas of NYC, such as Times Square in Manhattan. It is better to avoid most neighborhoods at night, especially if you are traveling alone.

It is also a good idea to travel with credit cards as opposed to cash. These are easily cancelled with a simple phone call to your credit card company or bank if stolen. There are also various financial institutions, such as Apple Pay, that allow you to pay directly with your mobile phone.

Be Cautious on the Subway

If you ride the subway around NYC, never get on an empty car if you’re alone – or even if you’re with a few people. This empty car is not empty because you’ve just won the introvert’s lottery, but most likely because something is seriously broken. Also, do not block subway doors: it hinders people from getting off and on easily, and in NYC, they are all about the hustle and bustle.

Be Humble

Do not use your most expensive purse or wallet when you travel, or let on that you are carrying a significant amount of money. No one deserves to be robbed, but these signs do make you a better target for those looking for individuals with more valuables. It is not about actually having money on you, it is making the impression that you do: only pack the essentials.

Ask for Directions – From a Trusted Source

It is only too easy to get lost in a new city, especially one as large as New York City. It is as simple as a question to ask for directions, but make sure you ask someone trustworthy – and not just someone who seems to be. Ask a store clerk or a police officer for directions, otherwise you may find yourself trapped in a tourist trap. You want to end up at the Statue of Liberty or in Alphabet City, not stuck in a shady neighborhood.

Safety should always come first, but do not let the television dictate your perception of the gorgeous New York City. It is truly a city to be experienced in person, so do not let these negative ideas keep you away. Bus tours, in fact, are a great way to visit the city if you are feeling a bit of paranoia, and they come with great deals such as 15% off a NYC bus tour and many more. New York City should be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list: stay safe and travel well.